Evaluation of melatonin, galectin-3, TGF-β1, and NF-κB in hypertrophic scar patients

Abstract

A hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a fibrotic proliferative tissue that develops following extensive skin trauma. HTS is defined by aberrant fibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen deposition. Nowadays, the most common therapies for HTS are pressure therapy, surgical excision, and corticosteroid injection, yet these approaches have limitations or side effects. Thus, developing novel approaches to treat hypertrophic scars has emerged as a focal point for wound healing research in recent years. This case-control study included 80 participants, divided into two groups. Group 1 included 40 HTS patients, and Group 2 had 40 age-matched healthy volunteers as controls. We are the first to assess blood levels of melatonin (MLT) and galectin-3 (Gal-3), as well as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), in HTS patients to understand the scarring mechanism and identify new therapeutic techniques. The study's main finding is that HTS patients had significantly higher Gal-3 levels, TGF-β1, NF-kB expression, and substantially lower MLT levels than the control group. These findings collectively suggested that MLT may considerably reduce Gal-3, TGF-β1, and NF-κB levels in patients with hypertrophic scars. Therefore, it could be a practical therapeutic approach for hypertrophic scarring.